Podcast Episode #64: Ali DeJohn, founder of the Makerie

On today’s episode of the While She Naps podcast we’re talking about creative retreats and event planning with my guest, Ali DeJohn, founder of the Makerie.

The Makerie is a creative retreat for everyone. Sometimes described as summer camp for adults, Makerie events are nurturing and creative with the goal of helping participants to connect, recharge and get inspired. Whether you’re a skilled crafter or have never picked up a paintbrush, at a Makerie retreat you’ll get the chance to flex your creative muscle. Incredible artists and crafters from around the country teach at Makerie workshops so you’re truly learning from the best.

If you’re just learning about the Makerie, I highly recommend this short video shot by Creativebug on site at a Makerie retreat to get a sense of what it’s all about:

So beautiful, right?

There are now Makeries that are partnerships with Sweet Paul magazine, URBN, Terrain, and Land of Nod where participants get to feel as though they’re stepping into the brand, experiencing what it would be like to inhabit the pages of a beautiful magazine or the pages of a gorgeous catalog.

Photo from the Sweet Paul Makerie at Terrain.

In our conversation Ali explains how attending Squam as a new mom helped her to reconnect with herself and realize that she could put her event planning background to use in planning a unique kind of creative retreat. She explains how she researched the idea for the Makerie and then launched it six years ago and what’s been surprising and exciting along the way.

I ask Ali what she’s looking for in a teacher and how she chooses the right mix of workshops so if you’re hoping to begin teaching at national workshops like these, this episode is a great way to learn what organizers are looking for. Ali also explains how she works to create a family-like welcoming atmosphere at each Makerie retreat. We talk about brand partnerships including how to find a partner and the benefits for both sides.

Today’s episode is sponsored by Mielke’s Fiber Arts. Mielke’s Fiber Arts has tools for weavers, spinners, felters, and lacemakers. From looms to spindles, and shuttles to fiber, you’re sure to be inspired. Located in the bucolic town of Mauston, Wisconsin near the Wisconsin Dells, Mielke’s is run by sisters Andrea and Amy Mielke. Make an appointment to visit if you’re local or order online. They offer world-wide shipping. Get all of the supplies you need at Mielke’s Fiber Arts.

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You can listen to the show right here by clicking on the arrow below, or subscribe in iTunes or Stitcher (perfect for Adroid or Kindle) and listen on the go. If you enjoy the show, tell a friend about it! Thank you so much.

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Comments

I was lucky enough to have attended the Makerie spring retreat back in April of 2012. Ali did a beautiful job organizing the event. Seriously everything was perfect. The venue, the people, the teachers, the food, the classes, the goodie bag, and Ali’s warmth and kindness. I have found memories of my time spent at magical Makerie. Thanks Ali!

Great interview! You really captured Ali’s warmth so well. I’m sure most of her success can be attributed mostly to her intelligence and hard work, but it wouldn’t mean as much without her amazing positive energy pulling it all together!

Trackbacks

[…] I just recently added to my bucket list…attending a Makerie creative retreat, thanks again to Abby Glassburn’s While She Naps. The website describes it like this – “a place of warmth, the Makerie is a creative […]